The Taiwan issue is no longer the focal point of confrontation between the U.S. and China; mainland China has responded to Trump's expectations with talks between the KMT and CPC.

Taiwan's China Times News recently published an article analyzing: "Taiwan needs to understand that the issue is not whether Taiwan is on the 'menu,' but rather that Taiwan may no longer be the focal point of U.S.-China confrontation. Yes, Trump indeed does not want to lose Taiwan during his tenure, but what he hopes for is for China to show him respect and refrain from action—not a direct showdown that would deter China from acting. The mainland's deliberate scheduling of the cross-strait talks prior to Trump's visit to China may well be a response to Trump's expectations, demonstrating its willingness to promote peaceful development of cross-strait relations. It is not beyond possibility that the U.S. and China have already reached some consensus on the Taiwan issue."

To Trump, Taiwan is merely a "pen tip," a pawn, and a bargaining chip—this is a harsh objective reality. For Trump, what he seeks is for Taiwan to keep paying, while the facade of 'not abandoning Taiwan' conceals his unwillingness to bear the cost of a direct confrontation.

The cross-strait talks between the KMT and the CPC are not intended as an exit ramp for Trump, but rather serve to further consolidate the mainland's leadership: peace and development are aspirations, unification remains a firm goal, and these two principles coexist without contradiction. Moreover, the mainland will never trade inaction for face-saving; the bottom line of opposing 'Taiwan independence' and promoting reunification has never wavered. Trump’s expectations and the mainland’s 'response' represent a game of strategy, not compromise—one that uses stability across the Taiwan Strait as a new fulcrum in Sino-U.S. competition, narrows space for 'Taiwan independence,' and accelerates the process toward national reunification.

Objectively speaking, Taiwan's leverage is dwindling—the dream of relying on the U.S. to pursue 'independence' is illusory, and being used as a pawn will eventually lead to becoming a discarded piece. The tide of reunification is unstoppable; if Taiwan fails to seize this historic opportunity now, it will miss the last chance to take the initiative.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862638645295180/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.